Kill Your Feeds – Stop Letting Algorithms Dictate How You Think

Social media feeds were once a convenient way to stay connected with friends and family, but over time, they’ve turned into something much more controlling—shaping our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs without us even realizing it. In "Kill Your Feeds," the author argues that algorithm-driven feeds have transformed into tools that manipulate us for profit, keeping us scrolling endlessly and subtly shaping our worldview through outrage-driven engagement. "With the power to shape what we see comes the power to shape what we believe," the article warns. Instead of blindly accepting what algorithms serve us, it's time to take back control of our digital consumption by directly following creators, using platforms that prioritize user choice, and becoming mindful of how these feeds influence our thinking.

Key Points:

• The Slow Boil Effect: We didn’t notice the shift, but social media platforms gradually turned from tools of connection into manipulation machines, altering what we see to maximize engagement.
• Algorithmic Control: Companies like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook decide what appears on our screens, influencing emotions, opinions, and even behaviors.
• The Engagement Trap: The more outrage and extreme content we engage with, the more of it we get—creating a dangerous feedback loop that reinforces biases.
• Algorithmic Complacency: As Alec from Technology Connections describes it, we rely too heavily on algorithmic recommendations instead of actively seeking out content.
• How to Take Back Control:
  • Visit creators directly instead of relying on social media feeds.
  • Use platforms designed for choice, like Instagram’s 'Following' feed, YouTube’s Subscriptions tab, Bluesky, Mastodon, or RSS feeds.
  • Learn to find content intentionally rather than letting algorithms decide for you.
  • Recognize engagement traps and break the scrolling cycle.
  • Spread awareness by discussing these manipulative tactics with others.

The bottom line? The internet should work for you, not the other way around. "Kill your feeds before they kill your ability to think independently."
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